Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare, motor-based neurodevelopmental speech disorder with a genetic basis. Children with CAS know what they want to say, but have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed to speak, which results in speech breakdowns.
While much of the existing research has focused on young children, growing evidence shows that the effects of CAS often persist into adolescence and adulthood—highlighting the need for research that extends beyond early childhood. To address this gap, Molly Beiting, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, is leading a preliminary study examining a new CAS treatment approach.
With funding from the Apraxia Kids Foundation, Dr. Beiting’s study explores whether a group-based teletherapy intervention can support peer connection, communication effectiveness, and social engagement among children ages 11 to 14. The study is believed to be the first group-based treatment designed specifically for older children with the disorder, and the first study with a primary focus on outcomes beyond speech accuracy. Because CAS is a rare disorder, many children with the condition have never met someone who shares their experience. This study aims to connect children with others facing similar challenges in hopes of helping them feel less alone and strengthen their communication skills in a supportive, SLP-facilitated peer environment.
Dr. Beiting’s interest in the project is rooted in her clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist specializing in childhood apraxia of speech. “Older children with CAS are often navigating more complex social situations, but there are very few interventions designed specifically for their needs,” Beiting said. “Young adults with CAS consistently tell us that, in addition to improving the comprehensibility of their speech, feeling confident and connecting with peers are critical to their quality of life.” Before beginning her doctoral training, Dr. Beiting worked with children with CAS for several years and observed how their needs evolved as they transitioned into adolescence. Her involvement with Apraxia Kids and conversations with adolescents and young adults with CAS further shaped the study’s emphasis on real-world outcomes and participant perspectives.
The study was designed using a community‑based approach, with parents of children with CAS and young adults with CAS working closely with researchers to shape key decisions. Based on this input, the study will launch in summer 2026, as families often have greater scheduling flexibility when school is out of session. The team also selected a teletherapy model —delivering sessions remotely through Zoom—to make it easier for families to participate.
The study will begin participant recruitment in the spring and is expected to last approximately two months, including the initial assessment, baseline sessions, five weeks of group teletherapy, and follow-up. In addition to measuring changes in communication effectiveness, researchers will collect participant feedback through focus groups to understand how children experience the intervention. Beiting said, children have the most valuable insight into their own experiences and can provide meaningful feedback on how the study worked and how it could be improved.
Looking ahead, Dr. Beiting hopes the findings will inform more holistic approaches to CAS treatment. Beiting said she is interested in whether the program could complement traditional speech therapy or potentially serve as a combined approach. “After we determine whether the treatment works, we need to know how it pairs with existing treatments,” Beiting said. “Is it something that would replace that speech accuracy-based treatment for teens? Could it be combined with existing approaches?” Ultimately, the hope is that the findings will lead to new ways to treat CAS and help children develop not only more effective communication, but also a community of support within one another.